Elyse Andrews

Latest posts by Elyse

Family-Friendly Boston Breweries and Beer Gardens

Submitted by Elyse Andrews on Sun, 04/17/2022 - 9:06pm

Remnant Brewery at Bow Market provides a family-friendly space, Photo courtesy of Merritt Chase.

Boston breweries are a part of the city's landscape; the Sam Adams Brewery in Jamaica Plain has attracted tourists and locals for decades. Boston has seen an absolute boom in beer gardens (or biergartens) in the last few years. Craft brewing has flourished as well. Luckily for anyone with kids, many of these establishments are welcoming to families. If you like to sip a craft brew outside, these are the places to go with little ones in tow: Many have live music, lawn games, and great views. From the heart of the city to the suburbs, there’s likely a beer garden near you that's open from summer through fall. Sip—and play!

Check out our guide to 10+ Boston-Area Restaurants Where Kids Eat Free for more locations to step out with the family. Be sure to explore our list of 15 Boston-Area Restaurants Where Kids Can Play While You Eat (and Relax). And our guide to Easy Recipes for Kids provides some wonderful ideas for those nights you stay in.

Best Tot Lots and Toddler Playgrounds in Boston

Submitted by Elyse Andrews on Fri, 04/15/2022 - 10:02pm

Bring out the smiles by visiting Boston's best tot lots and toddler playgrounds. Photo courtesy of the Friends of Ringgold Park, Facebook

When the weather turns warm and sunny, it's time to get your little ones to the best tot lots and toddler playgrounds in Boston. Toddlers can't wait to get out and explore, and last fall's newborns are just about ready for a bucket swing! But not all playgrounds cater to the sub-preschool set. Luckily, there are several in and around Boston that do have sandboxes, swings, and smaller play structures built with the littlest kids in mind. Here are some of our favorite local "tot lots" with special features that are perfect for older babies and toddlers.

Explore our Guide to Playgrounds & Parks in Boston to find the right spot for kids of any age. Our list of 12 Awesome Boston Area Playgrounds Worthy of Getting in the Car is full of ideas for family excursions. And if the weather isn't helping play time, check out our guide to the Best Free Indoor Play Spaces.

Winter Hikes and Walks To Take with Boston Kids

Submitted by Elyse Andrews on Sat, 01/15/2022 - 8:31pm

Winter walk in the Public Garden. Photo courtesy of Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism

Boston winters are long and cold—no doubt. But a surefire (and blessedly simple) way to shake off a case of cabin fever is to bundle up and head outside for a winter hike or walk. From the heart of the city to the hilly suburbs, Massachusetts boasts many paved or wooded trails that are as majestic in winter as they are in spring or summer, whether dusted or just swept bare by the elements.

If Mother Nature delivers more than a few inches of snow, consider trying out one of the places to snowshoe with kids around Boston instead. Kiddos feeling lazy? A stop at a Boston cafe with great hot cocoa or the promise of a homemade hot chocolate bomb treat to follow your outing is sure to sweeten the deal.

12 Awesome Boston-Area Playgrounds Worthy of Getting in the Car

Submitted by Elyse Andrews on Sun, 07/25/2021 - 8:20am

Robbins Farm Park's side-by-side slides are a major draw.

Having a playground in your neighborhood is ideal. It’s a nice break from playing in your own yard and a great place to meet up for playdates. But going to the same playground over and over can get tiresome for adventurous kids. Luckily several special playgrounds near Boston are worth packing up the snacks and strollers and getting in the car. Here are 12 of the best that are ready to host your kids’ summer adventures.

Looking for more incredible playgrounds near Boston? We've rounded up our favorite theme playgrounds, brain-boosting playgrounds, and the Best Tot Lots and Toddler Playgrounds in Boston.

12 of the Best Picnic Spots for Families in Boston

Submitted by Elyse Andrews on Thu, 05/27/2021 - 10:38am

As the days get longer, sunnier and warmer, you’ll probably long to take some of your meals outside. Picnicking is a classic summer activity that’s perfect for the whole family. Instead of just heading to your neighborhood park, pack your basket and bring it to one of Boston’s best picnic areas. Some have deep roots in Boston’s history or water views, and all are beautiful and provide a breath of fresh air in the middle of a busy city.

12 Great Places To Hike with Kids around Boston

Submitted by Elyse Andrews on Sun, 04/04/2021 - 10:00am

Solstice Stones mark the grassy summit of Holt Hill in Ward Reservation.

I’ve always loved hiking, so not long after having my first baby I was hitting the trails around Boston, carrier and all. It was even more exciting when my kids were sure-footed enough to go hiking with me and my husband. Whether you have little kids or big ones, there are plenty of fun and scenic trails throughout the Boston area to enjoy. These one-mile-or-less trails are great spots for walking with toddlers and preschoolers, but these 12 parks and reservations near Boston are tops for longer family hikes.

For more ways to get the family out into the fresh air check out our full Outdoor Fun Guide, and as always, keep tabs on our Boston events calendar for all the happenings in and around the city.

25 Things to do in the North End with Kids

Submitted by Elyse Andrews on Tue, 03/16/2021 - 12:14pm

Take a guided tour along the Freedom Trail. Photo by Paul/Flickr

Boston has changed a lot in the last few decades, but one area of the city remains largely the same: the North End. Often called Boston’s Little Italy, its narrow streets are brimming with old world charm, historic sites, and delicious food. Whether you live in Boston or are just visiting, the neighborhood is a must-visit stop with kids.

Easy Spring Break Getaways in New England for Families

Submitted by Elyse Andrews on Fri, 03/05/2021 - 2:00pm

Are we in the tropics? It's warm and inviting at the Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory in Massachusetts. Photo courtesy of Katie Wadland

Spring break is coming, and while everyone could use a warm-weather vacation, many families need to keep thier getaways a little closer to home. Luckily, New England is packed with fun family trip destinations that are easy to get to (and easy on the wallet). From farm animal encounters to indoor water park adventures, these overnight or weekend itineraries in Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Vermont, Rhode Island, and Maine can be planned at the last minute and still provide lasting memories for kids.

Can't get away for more than a day? Check out our very favorite Boston day trips and Connecticut day trips for families with young kids.

Elyse Andrews

Latest posts by Elyse

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